Kayaking in Kauai--river or sea?
 

Hi all,

I've been following some recent posts and am excited to be able to get feedback from people who're in the know!

My husband and I are planning to spend a couple of days in Kauai (after some quality time with his folks on Oahu) and I'd like some advice on kayaking. We've never been to Hawaii before so don't really know what to expect. We're leaving for Oahu this Saturday (Nov. 3) and will be in Kauai Nov. 7-10.

I've been looking at some river and sea kayaking options and trying to decide between them. So, it's between the South Shore sea kayaking or one down the Wailua River (either by ourselves or guided) either with Outfitters Kauai or Kayak Kauai. Any recommendations on sea or river (if you had to pick one) and if river, guided or not? Also, which company to go with?

We're both in our 30s (earlier than late), and are fairly active. We're staying at Kapaa if that's helpful to know.

I know this is late notice but if I could get responses within the next couple of hours, that'd be great, cos we'd like to make reservations tonight (Iowa time).

Thanks!

kailua river offers some good kayaking opportunities for you, and it's close to kapa'a. given that you will only be there for 2 days (is it 2 full days?, this might be save you some driving time. pls consider that there's alot of traffic in the kapa'a during "rush hours" (isn't that an oxymoron in Hawaii?)so heading close by will save you time. and pls don't miss princeville, hanalei areas, north side of kauai, no matter what.

One of our highlights was kayaking the Kailua River. Instead of the tour (about $90 & includes lunch), we rented our own kayak. They loaded it on the roof of the rental car for us. It was easy to handle.

We were in a time share and just happened to pack our own lunch. We didn’t know about the tour package. We docked and hiked to the Secret Falls and found the tour group eating their lunch. When I asked the tour guide what he was charging them, he gave me the shhhh. (Near $200/couple vs. our rental of about $35 for a double at the time).

You are young enough to do it alone and save some money, plus you can go at your own pace.

We stopped at the Fern Grotto along the way (another paid tour) and also found a nice place to do some diving.

Compare prices below. You may even find a better rate once you get there. I wouldn’t be too concerned about finding one to rent on the days you are there.

The helicopter tour was also very worthwhile.

http://www.explorekauai.com/kayak.html

http://www.kauaikayaktour.com/discount.htm

Thanks for the tips, flyme and bear900. Good advice on going closer than further.

Anyone out there who could talk about sea kayaking and which of the two they'd recommend?

Just back from my 1st trip to Hawaii, so hardly an expert but imo this is no contest- kayak the river. It looked very scenic, but due to time constraints I didn't do it, and regret it- especially after hearing from a couple in the cottage next to us who, like bear900, rented their own kayak and had a great time.
And if I may add to what flyme said about the north side of Kauai- for both business and pleasure, I feel fortunate to have travelled to some interesting destinations, and the natural beauty of Kauai ranks among the best.

I'm certainly no expert either - as our first trip to Kauai will be in March - BUT... after doing some reading, it seems the ocean in November might be pretty wild for kayaking. I know when we go in March - we will opt for river kayaking!

Thanks to all who responded. We decided to take a catamaran round the Napali coast with Capt. Andy and may not have time (or resources) to do a river kayaking trip.

Will let you guys know how the trip goes.